Features

Europe’s Science Machine

The four 8-meter mirrors of the Very Large Telescope make it Earth’s biggest – and an impressive scientific instrument that also delivers stunning images.

Rounding the Earth

Although members of the Flat Earth Society might argue, learned people have known our planet to be a sphere for thousands of years.

Unveiling the Flat Universe

New observations of the cosmic background radiation suggest that we live in a flat universe that is expanding at an ever-increasing rate.

Painting the Contours of Space

Armed with nothing more than a paintbrush, Ludek Pesek created vivid panoramas of the planets that helped inspire a generation of space enthusiasts.

A Century of Comets

Nearly a dozen great comets graced our skies in the 1900s, but when the next one will appear is anyone’s guess.

Diving into Darkest Africa

Clear skies should reign over southern Africa for the third millennium’s inaugural solar eclipse.

Desperately Seeking Dark

The quest for an ideal observing site starts with the search for an inky-black sky.

Gimme Shelter

ASTRONOMY tests six portable observatories that promise to make your observing excursions more productive and enjoyable.

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